Taco Lasagna (with Make Ahead Instructions)
User Reviews
4.7
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
40 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr
-
Servings
15
-
Calories
316 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Mexican
Taco Lasagna (with Make Ahead Instructions)
Description
Taco Lasagna combines lean ground beef cooked with diced poblano pepper and onion, simmered in water and taco seasoning, then mixed with black beans and diced tomatoes. Layering this hearty meat mixture with refried beans, flour tortillas, and shredded Mexican cheese blend creates a layered dish similar to traditional lasagna but with taco ingredients. Baking melds the flavors and melts the cheese, giving a cohesive casserole with layered textures of tender tortillas, creamy beans, and flavorful meat and vegetables.
The flavor profile balances the warmth and mild heat of taco seasoning with the richness of refried beans and cheese. Texturally, the layers provide a soft but structured dish that slices well for serving, and the inclusion of poblano peppers adds a subtle fresh and mild pepper flavor.
This dish is well-suited for family dinners or gatherings and can be made ahead for convenience. Serving it with sides like fresh salsa, guacamole, or a simple salad complements the richness. The recipe notes include guidance on storing leftovers safely at room temperature for a limited time, with an estimated 15 servings per casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- 1 poblano pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup water
- 2 taco seasoning envelope
- 15 ounces black beans rinsed and drained (1 can)
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes undrained (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each) (Rotel Mexican, Mexican style
- 9 flour tortillas (8 inches)
- 16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
- 4 cups Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, cook the beef, pepper and onion over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain off any fat. 2 pounds lean ground beef, 1 poblano pepper, 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Add water and taco seasoning packets. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and then simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Stir in black beans and tomatoes (with juice). Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. 1 cup water, 2 envelope taco seasoning, 15 ounces black beans, 29 ounces Mexican diced tomatoes
- Place 2 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared pan. Break a third tortilla and piece it together in any holes to make as much of a complete layer of tortillas as possible. 9 flour tortillas
- Spread with half of the refried beans and half of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. 16 ounces refried beans, 4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Repeat layers (3 tortillas, remaining beans, remaining beef, 1 cup of cheese). Top with remaining tortillas and 2 cups cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. If you make this in advance and the meat mixture is cold, the lasagna may take an additional 15-20 minutes to bake.
- Serve with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado and fresh pico de gallo. Season with salt and pepper.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Calorie estimates are based on dividing the casserole into 15 pieces; exact nutrition depends on ingredient brands.
- Use this as a guide but consult a nutritionist for precise dietary information if needed.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 316 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 316kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 66mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 545mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 482mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 330IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 266mg | 27% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.